In a tightly contested defensive matchup reminiscent of playoff hockey, the Nashville Predators faced off against the Boston Bruins, limiting their formidable opponents to just two goals before sealing the victory with an empty-netter.
Despite the disappointment of the loss, there’s reason to be pleased with the Predators’ defensive performance against the Bruins, especially considering their full defensive lineup is now healthy. This should prove highly advantageous as they enter the final stretch of the regular season, with eyes set on the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The return of Alexandre Carrier to the starting lineup against the Bruins saw him reunite with Jeremy Lauzon as his defensive partner, with the duo showcasing an impressive defensive display, allowing only a minuscule 0.031 Expected Goals Against at 5v5 play. Their consistency makes them a strong candidate for a starting defensive pairing in the playoffs.
Furthermore, although Dante Fabbro was available for the game, he was a healthy scratch in favor of rookie Spencer Stastney, who performed admirably alongside Luke Schenn, conceding just five shot attempts during their time together at 5v5 play.
This decision by the coaching staff underscores their confidence in Stastney over Fabbro, despite the latter’s veteran experience and defensive stability. As the postseason approaches, it will be intriguing to observe whether Fabbro earns a starting role over Stastney, particularly in light of the ongoing competition for playoff spots with the chasing wildcard teams, notably the Blues.
Additionally, the return of Carrier to the lineup has relegated Tyson Barrie back to the sidelines for the past two games. With Fabbro’s reemergence and Carrier’s return, Barrie faces stiff competition for a spot in the starting lineup, returning to a position reminiscent of his pre-injury status before the defensive corps was plagued by injuries.
Barrie made an impact with three assists in five games before being sidelined once again for the Avalanche matchup.
Should the Predators secure their spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the decision of who starts in Game 1 will likely revolve around either Fabbro or Stastney, with Schenn likely serving as their defensive partner. It’s improbable that the defensive pairings of Josi/McDonagh or Carrier/Lauzon will be disrupted, given their established chemistry and effectiveness on the ice.
